‘There will be no new Floating Bridge.’
The leader of the Isle of Wight Council has shut down ideas the authority will buy a new vessel to replace the beleaguered Floating Bridge 6.
Throughout the numerous problems, one solution raised by campaigners was to replace the boat.
The vessel was taken out of action in July this year for routine maintenance but a problem with the hydraulics was found and the boat still remains out of action, almost nine weeks later.
At a meeting of the Isle of Wight cabinet last night (Thursday), Cllr Stewart was asked when the council would order a new one now that he has said the vessel is not fit for purpose.
In response, Cllr Stewart said the current administration inherited the managerial responsibility of the chain ferry and all the challenges and issues that have come with it from the previous Independent administration.
He said:
“When it arrived on the Island, everyone expected it to work correctly and provide a good service for the community for years to come.
“What we did not expect was the catalogue of problems we have since experienced over the subsequent years.
“Added challenges recently has been the need to remove it from service during the main parts of the St Mary’s Roundabout roadworks from August to September, creating a perfect storm of destruction when we least needed it.”
Roadworks at the new junction had been causing traffic jams and hold-ups over busy periods in August as the new Forest Road exit was introduced.
Cllr Stewart said the primary focus now is to maintain the service as the council starts the talks to secure ‘appropriate remedy for the damages that the local council has suffered.’
He said:
"I have been drawn to question whether the vessel was truly fit for purpose when it was designed and constructed as agreed in the contract and this needs to be resolved.
“Our plan is to fix the current problem and ensure the vessel is back in the water as soon as possible.
“We have no plans at this time to order a new floating bridge.”
Floating Bridge 6 was funded by a £3.5 million grant from the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership.
Red Squirrel Property Shop Ventures Into Dubai Property Market
New 2024/5 Annual Waste And Recycling Guide Out Soon
Platform One Announces Winner Of 2024 Wight Noize Competition
Royal Duke To Visit As Newport Minster Reopens
Isle Of Wight Council To Support 'No Mow May' 2024
English Coastal Path Complication Amid Osborne House Queen Victoria Collection Fears
Seaview Pub Picks Up National Award
Isle Of Wight Radio Child Of Wight Awards 2024 Nominations Now Open
Fire Service Issues Water Safety And Mud Rescue Advice For Isle Of Wight
New Online Cancer Support For Local Residents
Specialist Monitoring Equipment Now Installed At Leeson Road
West Wight Runner Jackie Follows PB Marathon Run With Eastenders Appearance
West Wight Pub Can Now Be Listed As 'Asset Of Community Value'
Royal Navy 'Bomb Squad' Called To Seaview Following Ordnance Alert
Automated Gates Arrive On Wightlink’s FastCat Foot Passenger Route
Help Keep Isle Of Wight Streets Neat – Bring Your Bin In
Two Passengers Injured Following Bus Crash In Ryde
Late Night Reports Of Collision Spark Extensive Land, Sea And Air Search
Islanders Taking On London Marathon Today For Local Charities
Four Men Arrested Following Rogue Trader Activities In East Cowes
